World In Conversation

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University Park, PA
World In Conversation

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World in Conversation (WinC) is a student-driven center for "true" public diplomacy dedicated to expanding human understanding of complicated social challenges through facilitated dialogue. Our undergraduate dialogue facilitators make it possible for people in small groups to "think together" across borders on the basis of their different social positions. We believe dialogue that makes a difference requires trained facilitators. As we develop and deploy a dialogue methodology that is essential for this era, we are also working to make the role of a dialogue facilitator visible and valued. Two years ago, we began a serious inquiry into the narrative structures that shape contentious conversations. We noticed that these narratives become "scripts" that are often inherited. These scripts directly prevent meaningful examination across borders of the very challenges they are intended to explain. World in Conversation aims to deconstruct these scripts and create pathways for more nuanced and thoughtful engagement all while providing undergraduate students with an educational opportunity that our alumni have described a paramount element of their academic career.

10/21/2026

The mindset that accompanies curiosity and the ability to ask valuable questions: These are some of the future-ready superpowers our student facilitators build through our training program.

Dialogue topic: Even though it is a multicultural nation, there IS an American culture.

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

10/08/2026

High-volume practice hours in real, unscripted dialogue

Dialogue topic: “Privilege > Merit”

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

09/28/2026

Every World in Conversation dialogue strengthens Penn State University’s campus

Dialogue topic: Health/beauty can be bought.

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

09/18/2026

Through every World in Conversation dialogue, student facilitators and participants practice staying present and engaged when conversations get difficult.

Dialogue topic: The internet is subtly gendered.

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

09/08/2026

Dialogues start today! 🌎💬
World in Conversation’s student facilitators lead conversations for students at Penn State and around the world about the most pressing issues of our time.

Trained in small-group facilitation, our student leaders put their skills into practice each week—creating spaces where many perspectives can be voiced and explored with curiosity.

We’re proud to launch another semester of student-led dialogue, and grateful to everyone who makes this work possible.

05/22/2026

Every World in Conversation dialogue strengthens a campus culture of open dialogue and free exchange of ideas.

Dialogue topic: “What enables addiction, besides the individual?”

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

05/15/2026

Celebrating our newest World in Conversation certificate earner, Andrew Plotnick🎉

Certificate earners, like Andrew, commit themselves to the challenging and rewarding work of dialogue across difference — developing leadership skills in facilitation, problem-solving, and discernment that extend far beyond the classroom. Way to go, Andrew!

Learn more about our Facilitating Small Group Conflict and Collaboration Penn State certificate - Link in Bio

05/14/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our World in Conversation certificate earner, Payton Smith 🎉

These students demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to dialogue, facilitation, and engagement across difference through 350 hours of experiential learning and practice — and are now trained in the skills needed to navigate difficult conversations with discernment and curiosity.

Learn more about our Facilitating Small Group Conflict and Collaboration Penn State certificate - Link in Bio

05/13/2026

Celebrating our newest World in Conversation certificate earner, Duncan Wolfe🎉

Through World in Conversation’s facilitation program, students engaged across differing perspectives, strengthened their communication skills, and learned how to navigate complexity with curiosity, patience, and intention.

Learn more about our Facilitating Small Group Conflict and Collaboration Penn State Certificate - Link in Bio

05/08/2026

Through every World in Conversation dialogue, students build the capacity to remain in conversation when tensions rise or perspectives collide.

Dialogue topic: To what extent religion impacts all of us, regardless of faith.

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week by week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

Address

107 Pond Lab
University Park, PA
16802

Telephone

+18148655692

Website

https://worldinconversation.psu.edu/

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